Thursday in southern France was still a bit chilly and we decamped early for the cross-Spain leg.
The Open Road
Its easy driving on the largely empty roads which only get busy round the big cities.
Spanish town at 58 mph
We crossed Spain in a blur of pretty towns and largely deserted countryside. It is 370 miles and 8 hours from the French border to Valencia. We spent some of the time listening to Brooklyn, the 2009 novel by Colm Toibin about an Irish girl who emigrates to New York.
Mavis and Nia parked by the entrance to Valencia Camper Park
Our first night in Spain was at Valencia Camper Park. This is a good site just to the north of Valencia. This is ideal for a night-halt and also a handy base for visiting Valencia; there is a rail link to the city centre with a station 300 metres away.
As we were just staying over night we parked outside the campsite for the aire rate of 10 euros a night.
The early morning Valencian dog walk coincided with sunrise.
El Fondo Natural Park
The next day we drove the 137 miles down to Camping Marjal Costa Blanca, near Alicante. This is one of our favourite sites and we know a few friends here now among the long stay expats.
Stonechat
Flock of Ibis
There is a good nature reserve about a mile away and we cycle here most days with the Krays, then walk round the lakes.
Ibis
Egret taking off.
Female Stonechat
Swamp Hen
I think the proper name is Purple Gallinule
Stork
Marsh Harrier over El Fondo
Cormorant
Lesser Spotted Peter
There are a few birds around at the moment. Some prettier than others.
Are we in a movie?
Back at Marjal we came across this police car….it seems to have crossed the state line.
Not sure if there is any connection but a couple of days later Elvis appeared…all the way from Memphis…for a brilliant performance of all the old greats. We watched him over supper in the dining room attached to the campsite.
Elvis
Rambling about Europe with the Kray Twins (Colin and Penny).
Travels with Mavis 
Glad that you’re having fun. We’ve had ice, wind, rain & more rain here! Cx
Just getting used to the sun…its a funny yellowish thing in the sky….
xxx P & N
OOOOH, we stayed again a week on marjal end of januari, greetings and have a great time!!! kris & nico
Hi Guys and thanks a million for introducing us to Marjal!! When are you out this way next? P & N xxx
Beautiful birds,Peter. David Attenborough would be proud. Have a good time. Liz& Joe xx
Thanks, enjoying the balmy weather still, love to you both…P&N xx
Terrific bird pics x
Thanks…they do help by getting up nice and close. xx
oh, we don’t no , in juin we go to italy , maybe in september or octobre , greetz
Italy in June sounds good..
Super photos, have fun x
Thanks…will do…
Should the ‘lesser spotted Peter’ not be the ‘Tufted lesser spotted Peter’?
That day in 1977, at the rock-and-roll icon s home in Memphis, Tennessee, is surrounded by mysteries and hearsay. There s the dodgy death certificate, rumours that a wax dummy was placed in the coffin at his funeral, and Presley s movements before he allegedly kicked the bucket. Some people just don t want to let go of their idol.